FARMFOODS have has closed its supermarket in Carlisle city centre.

The store on Lowther Street has shut its doors and workmen have moved into the building, which is scheduled to be demolished.

A new supermarket is set to open on Shaddongate at a site formerly occupied by Thomas Graham and this will create seven jobs.

A report to Carlisle City Council earlier this year said: "The current store is not suitable for Farmfoods any longer because it is too small for their current style of retailing, it lacks customer car parking and has poor delivery facilities."

The firm, which employed eight staff, hunted for new premises for five years before deciding on this new site, which will offer car parking for 44 cars.

The report added: "It is expected the new store will employ around 15 staff.

"This modest increase in staffing reflects the greater efficiency of operation the new store will offer, despite the expected increase in trade."

Turnover is expected to be greater than at Lowther Street and is forecast at approximately £3.5m.

The report concluded: "Farmfoods have no other stores in Cumbria so their customers can come from a wide catchment. It is essential that when they do visit there is room to park and shop.

"Employees will find the store easier to work in, with greater space for stock storage, easier deliveries, and a better more modern working environment."

Farmfoods did not respond to requests for comment.